Accountancy firm KPMG has promoted David McCorquodale to UK head of retail to replace Helen Dickinson, who is leaving to join the British Retail Consortium.

McCorquodale, who has been with KPMG since 1984, is a one of the founders of KMPG’s corporate finance business. He currently heads the company’s retail transactions and restructuring practice and advises on a number of high profile retail deals, including the ongoing sale of JJB Sports.

He also led the recent sale of Peacocks to Edinburgh Woollen Mill, the £20m sale of Blacks Leisure to JD Sports, and the £222m sale of Dreams to Exponent.

Liz Claydon, UK head of consumer markets at KPMG, said:  Using his knowledge and contacts, David will continue to ensure KPMG is at the forefront of future retail industry trends and will lead our work with the BRC to produce the flagship BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.”

McCorquodale said: “The retail industry continues to significantly evolve as consumer confidence remains at an all-time low, the transfer from bricks and mortar to multi-channel gathers pace, supply chains shorten and commodity prices fluctuate. 

“KPMG has worked hand in hand with retailers to help them to adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing environment.”

Dickinson, who was with KPMG for 23 years, will take over from Stephen Robertson, the outgoing BRC director-general, at the start of December.